Goals looking to push Youth Football

The Football Association recently launched a new initiative aimed at tackling the drop off in players aged between 14 and 17 years that has become evident in the past few seasons. The FA Vauxhall Youth Programme, which is known as Football Mash Up, follows an extensive study by HPI, commissioned by The FA and England Team Sponsor and FA Youth Partner Vauxhall Motors, to determine the factors affecting drop out within this age group.

The Football Mash Up sessions aim to tackle these issues head on by offering a recreational form of football in after-school clubs, played in quality small-sided facilities and run by specialist FA Vauxhall Youth officers.

14-17 year-olds will be able to sign up for sessions, which will cater for all abilities and fitness levels. It is hoped that these sessions will inspire teenagers to get back into affiliated football in either small-sided or 11 v 11 formats.

Goals Plymouth is delighted to be involved with this initiative in hosting the FA Mash Up sessions. In addition Goals is looking to offer mini-leagues for 14 to 18 year age groups to run over the summer months providing a framework beyond the individual FA organised sessions. So if you are a group already playing 11 aside age group football and looking for something to keep you active over the summer or a group of mates looking to have a competitive kickaround then give Goals a call on 01752 562266 or email your enquiry via the website at www.goalsfootball.co.uk